Analysis of the Effectiveness of a Coding Compliance Training Program at the Troop Medical Clinic at Moncrief Army Community Hospital
Abstract
The Troop Medical Clinic (TMC), supported by Moncrief Army Community Hospital (MACH), experiences 2000 average annual patient encounters weekly. Based upon an initial audit of 107 records conducted by the Patient Administration staff in July of 2006, only 28% are coded in accordance with the Evaluation and Management Codes (E&M). If one executes an extrapolation for 50 weeks, then nearly 72,000 patient encounters are documented and reported incorrectly. These incorrect medical documentation errors potentially cost MACH over $750,000 on an annualized basis. By October 2006, coding compliance had improved to around 60% as measured by an audit of 120 records. MACH's Commander after a decision briefing by the acting Chief of Patient Administration opted to hire additional certified coders through an existing contract and reorganized the utilization of the six certified coders employed by MACH on October 17, 2006. Initially two dedicated coders were assigned to the TMC to train, audit and assist clinicians in the coding process. Additionally, the Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application (AHLTA) trainer concentrated his efforts to improve each clinician's skills, knowledge and abilities in the usage of AHLTA. The results of the final audit in January 2007 showed coding compliance had increased to over 83%. This study showed improved coding compliance. An analysis of the audit results via Chi Square suggests that the improvement in coding was likely due to the training program and not subject to random events.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 27, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA477470
Entities
People
- Donald E. Fine Jr.